"I just needed some time off footy at the end of the AFLW season to refresh and give my body and mind a break.

"I didn't play in the VFLW. I just did my own training and made sure I was fit and strong throughout the off-season. The benefit is I'm raring to go now."

Downie, who turned 30 on January 3, might not be one of the AFLW's high-profile players, but has a strong presence in the competition partly as a result of her work with the AFLPA as a players' representative.

She spoke on behalf of the players at the recent announcement of a new four-year broadcast deal, which will see all AFLW matches shown live on Seven and Foxtel.